It was too late, however, for Alfred Reitano, 72, an Army veteran who was found inside the home, according to Philadelphia Fire Department Executive Chief Richard Davison.

Firefighters on the scene told NBC10's Tim Furlong that it appeared that Reitano was apparently trying to put out a kitchen fire that broke out while he was preparing his breakfast. Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers said the man's oatmeal was still on the table when firefighters arrived.